As “America’s Front Yard,” the National Mall and Memorial Parks is home to many of our country’s most iconic memorials telling the story of people and events that shaped us as a nation. Each year, millions of people come to recreate, commemorate presidential legacies, honor our veterans, and make their voices heard.
Photo: NPS Photo
National Mall and Memorial Parks
This is where the nation comes to remember and where history is made.
- LocationWashington, DC
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
-
Weather now88°F Sunny
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
- African American Heritage
- Animals
- Civil Rights
- Civil War
- Climate Change
- Korean War
- Monuments and Memorials
- Social Movements
5 more topics
- Vietnam War
- Voting Rights and Suffrage
- Wars and Conflicts
- Women's History
- World War II
Alerts (2)
Park ClosureWashington Monument temporarily closed The Washington Monument is temporarily closed while the National Park Service conducts required maintenance. The closure… Read more
The Washington Monument is temporarily closed while the National Park Service conducts required maintenance. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. The Washington Monument grounds remain open to visitors during the temporary closure. The Monument will reopen as soon as the maintenance work is complete.
InformationWashington Monument closed one day each month for maintenance BY MONTH 2026 CLOSURE DATES JANUARY8 (THU) FEBRUARY3 (TUE) MARCH4 (WED) APRIL6 (MON) MAY7 (THU) JUNE2 (TUE) JULY8 (WED)… Read more
BY MONTH 2026 CLOSURE DATES JANUARY8 (THU) FEBRUARY3 (TUE) MARCH4 (WED) APRIL6 (MON) MAY7 (THU) JUNE2 (TUE) JULY8 (WED) AUGUST3 (MON) SEPTEMBER16 (WED) OCTOBER5 (MON) NOVEMBER5 (THU) DECEMBER8 (TUE)
Things to Do
18 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Wildlife Watching
- Fishing
- Boating
- Biking
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Arts and Culture
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Show 6 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
-
Lincoln Undercroft
Ticket Facility
Discover the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Ever wondered what supports the Lincoln Memorial? Now you can experience the “Undercroft,” where floor-to-ceiling glass reveals…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW, Washington, DC 202-426-6841 Directions
Details
Discover the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Ever wondered what supports the Lincoln Memorial? Now you can experience the “Undercroft,” where floor-to-ceiling glass reveals the impressive grid of concrete columns that uphold this iconic structure. After completing a security screening, you’ll enter an interactive exhibit space that explores the memorial’s construction history and highlights its enduring significance. The exhibit includes: • Educational Displays – Learn about the engineering and craftsmanship behind the memorial. • Bookstore – Find resources and items to deepen your understanding. • Restrooms with Historical Detail – Featuring replicas of graffiti left by the workers who built the memorial. This unique experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of America’s most treasured landmarks. -
Washington Monument
Ticket Facility
The Washington Monument is closed until Spring 2019. The Washington Monument dominates the United States Capital skyline as a symbolic tribute to George Washington's…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 900 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, DC 202-233-3520 Directions
Details
Overview:
The Washington Monument is closed until Spring 2019. The Washington Monument dominates the United States Capital skyline as a symbolic tribute to George Washington's military leadership, humble statesmanship, and Presidential fortitude and wisdom. Constructed from marble, granite and gneiss, the Monument is the world's tallest free-standing stone structure, towering more than 555 feet (169 meters).
Plans for a national monument began as early as 1783 when the Congress passed a resolution to erect an equestrian statue to honor George Washington. Construction started in 1848 and faced continuing construction challenges due to political turmoil and a lack of funds. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the Monument's construction in 1884, and along with the Washington National Monument Society, opened it to the public in 1888.
Visitors enter the Monument and then ascend via elevator to the 500-foot level to behold sweeping views of the city. Captivating exhibits on the 500-foot and 490-foot levels illuminate the contrast between historic photographs and modern views, while inviting you to learn more about Washington the man, the engineering marvel of the Monument, and the design of the city named in his honor. On descent, visitors have the unique experience of viewing selected commemorative stones expressing the sentiments of generations past awed by Washingtons impressive leadership.
Summary of Fees - Washington Monument
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · National Mall and Memorial Parks Sites
Hours by area (2)
-
National Mall and Memorial Parks SitesOpen 24 hours, daily
The public may visit the sites of National Mall and Memorial Parks 24 hours a day, with the exception of the Washington Monument which is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rangers are on duty at the sites to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in November - February. They are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. in March - October. Rangers offer interpretive programs daily and provide programs and information upon request. Rangers and volunteers will not be available Dec. 25, the park is still open to visitors.
-
Washington MonumentDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
This site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. It has a regular one day a month closure for cleaning. It is also closed on Independence Day July 4 and Christmas Day December 25. BY MONTH 2026 CLOSURE DATES for maintenance: JANUARY 8 (THU) FEBRUARY 3 (TUE) MARCH 4 (WED) APRIL 6 (MON) MAY 7 (THU) JUNE 2 (TUE) JULY 8 (WED) AUGUST 3 (MON) SEPTEMBER 10 (THU) OCTOBER 5 (MON) NOVEMBER 4 (WED) DECEMBER 8 (TUE)
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
-
Today
90° 62°
Overcast10% rain -
Tomorrow
89° 66°
Overcast57% rain -
Saturday
68° 56°
Overcast66% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
Washington, DC has all four seasons. Humidity will make the temps feel hotter in summer and colder in winter. Spring (March - May) Temp: Average high is 65.5 degrees with a low of 46.5 degrees Summer (June - August) Temp: Average high is 86 degrees with a low of 68.5 degrees. Can get into the 100s. Fall (September - November) Temp: Average high is 68 degrees with a low of 51.5 degrees Winter (December - February) Temp: Average high is 45 degrees with a low of 30 degrees (Source: www.usclimatedata.com)
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
10 coming up-
The Unfinished America: A 250-Year Journey of Liberty and Economic Freedom
About
Meet at the World War II Kiosk and join a National Park Service volunteer for an immersive 90-minute walking tour exploring the evolution of individual liberty and economic freedom while visiting several National Mall monuments and memorials. From the towering legacy of George Washington to the revolutionary courage of the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence, we will trace America’s fitful yet persistent progress toward a "more perfect union." This journey weaves together iconic sites with personal stories of stowaways, soldiers, and the "Greatest Generation" to honor the sacrifices that built our modern world.
As we celebrate this year's historic semiquincentennial, you are invited to connect your own family’s legacy to our shared pursuit of freedom and learn about nationwide celebrations ahead. Discover why the torch lit 250 years ago remains an exceptional beacon of democratic leadership in the world today. Memorials visited include: WWII and Washington Monument, Japanese Lantern, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, the Lincoln Memorial, and Signers' Island.Walk is less then 2 miles.
-
Thomas Jefferson and the Peale Family: Sparking Science and Exploration
About
President Thomas Jefferson, a scientist as well as a statesman, worked closely with Charles Willson Peale, the leading portrait painter of the Founding Fathers, to advance early American science. As members of the American Philosophical Society, they hosted Alexander von Humboldt, helped uncover mastodon skeletons in New York, and supported major expeditions including Lewis and Clark.
-
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
About
Explore the history and art of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial with a ranger.
-
Korean War Veterans Memorial:: Meet at Korean War Veterans Memorial Kiosk
About
Explore the history and art of the Korean War Veterans Memorial with a ranger.
Show 6 more events
-
Lincoln Memorial
About
Explore the history and art of the Lincoln Memorial with a ranger.
-
Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial
About
Explore the history and art of the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial with a ranger.
-
Tales of the Odd and Unusual
About
Join a park ranger for a program that celebrates the spirit of Halloween but without the supernatural. There have been two hundred and fifty years of strange happenings on the National Mall and around Washington. Together, we’ll explore true Washington tales of the strange, the unusual, and the just plain odd.
-
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
About
Explore the history and art of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial with a ranger.
-
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Meet at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Kiosk
About
Explore the history and art of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial with a ranger.
-
World War II Memorial- Look for the Ranger
About
Explore the history and art of the World War II Memorial with a ranger.
Getting There
Washington, DC 20242
National Mall and Memorial Parks preserves more than one thousand acres of federal parkland in Washington, DC, including: the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, DC War Memorial, and East and West Potomac Parks; Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site.
Mailing address: 1100 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC 20242